News

Message from the President and CEO - Forge December 2011

Dec 14, 2011

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am pleased to report on two recent events which truly represent the broad impact of CRDF Global’s work to promote science cooperation around the world.

The first event -- the dinner presentation of the 2011 CRDF George Brown Award for International Scientific Cooperation -- was held in Washington, DC on Nov. 2 and recognized Dr. Craig Barrett, Dr. Rita Colwell and Ambassador Thomas Pickering for their extraordinary contributions to international science and technology cooperation. At the second event -- the 2011 Global Entrepreneurship Summit held in Istanbul, Turkey on Dec. 3-6 -- CRDF Global showcased 11 winners from the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Tech-I technology idea competition, which invited applicants from 43 nations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia to submit proposals and videos detailing their ideas for technology innovation.

The CRDF George Brown Award presentation brought together over 150 leaders from throughout the science and technology community to honor our three 2011 awardees. Each of our awardees has a career dedicated to harnessing science and technology education, innovation and policy to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges related to health care, economic development, the environment and peace.

I thank our generous sponsors for not only covering the costs of the 2011 George Brown Award Gala, but also for raising additional funding and visibility in support of CRDF Global’s important mission. I hope that each of you will recognize and support the following sponsors for their generosity and support for international scientific cooperation: Presenting Sponsor The Skolkovo Foundation; Platinum Sponsor Intel Corporation; Silver Sponsors Google, Rothwell, Figg, Ernst & Manbeck P.C., Chevron and TMK; and Bronze Sponsors Cresa Partners, Hills & Company International Consultants, and Arizona State University.

In 2012, CRDF Global will continue to recognize those who have dedicated their careers to strengthening relationships between countries through science and technology collaboration. We look forward to sharing with you more details about the 2012 CRDF George Brown Award and plans for the award presentation.

The Global Entrepreneurship Summit -- themed "Entrepreneurship, Values and Development: A Global Agenda" -- was an extraordinary platform for enriching the lives of today’s young entrepreneurs and helping them gain the skills and resources they need to bring their developments to fruition. Hosted by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Summit drew prominent international leaders, including U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, investors and successful entrepreneurs.

At the Summit, 11 finalists from the GIST Tech-I technology idea competition were selected to present their ideas before a panel of judges to receive $60,000. More information on the GIST Tech-I competition is available on the GIST website.

This competition was implemented under CRDF Global’s Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) initiative. By participating at such high-level events, we can contribute to creating a global culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Through the GIST Tech-I competition, CRDF Global aims to inspire young entrepreneurs by helping them to advance their technology ideas.

Finally, I am pleased to announce the launch of CRDF Global’s new website, www.crdfglobal.org. The website provides crucial news and announcements about our programs, services and events. The site offers new ways for everyone in the science and technology community to engage with CRDF Global to become more deeply involved in strengthening collaborative ties between nations. Please visit it often and let us know what you think.

Have a peaceful holiday season, and best wishes for 2012. We appreciate your continued support.